This presentation is intended for use by
trainers with a working knowledge of the GHS
and older labelling and classification systems
in Australia
The Globally Harmonised System of
Classification and Labelling of Chemicals
This presentation is released under the Creative Commons
Attribution 3.0 Australia Licence and may be reused and
redistributed free of charge.
For more information see www.swa.gov.au/sites/swa/copyright
Welcome and overview
Part 1: An Introduction to the GHS (45 minutes)
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Classification and hazard communication - “old” systems in use in Australia
The GHS – what it is, why it was developed, what it aims to do, what are its benefits.
The GHS and the WHS Regulations – Scope and Application
• How does the GHS work
• GHS Hazard Class and Categories
Hazard communication
• Labelling and Safety Data Sheets
• Signal words, pictograms, hazard statements, precautionary statements
• Example labelling and SDS
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Questions.
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Morning tea (20 minutes)
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Part 2: Classifying chemicals according to the GHS (1 hour)
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What is classification?
Where do I get information to help me classify
Cut-off limits
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Practical Example classifications
• Single chemical
• Mixtures
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Questions (feel free to ask at any time).
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Part 1:
An Introduction to the Globally Harmonised
System of Classification and Labelling of
Chemicals
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Classification and hazard communication
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Prior to Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations, classification/hazard communication
for workplace chemicals done to:
• Classification
• Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances
• ADG Code, 7th Edition
• List of Designated Hazardous Substances
• Labelling
• National Code of Practice for the Labelling of Workplace Substances
• ADG Code, 7th Edition
• (Material) Safety Data Sheets
• National Code of Practice for the Preparation of Material Safety Data Sheets
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The WHS Regulations introduce a new system of classifying chemicals.
• The Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals
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What is the GHS?
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The GHS of Classifying and Labelling of Chemicals:
• Comprehensive tool that harmonises chemical classification and hazard
communication.
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Harmonised criteria for classification – physical, health and environmental
• Applies criteria to classify chemicals based on intrinsic hazards
• Covers single substances, solutions and mixtures.
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Communicates hazard information of hazardous chemicals on labelling and safety
data sheets.
• Hazard classes
• Symbols, signal words and hazard and precautionary phrases
• Standardised Safety Data Sheet format.
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Some changes to systems are required and will be obvious to end users.
• Training for staff to understand GHS
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Why was the GHS developed?
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Many different systems existed worldwide, with differing requirements:
• Vary in hazards covered and classification criteria used
• Information required on labels and SDS varied
• Result = disparity in the information provided.
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Hazards are an intrinsic property of a chemical. Classification should be consistent!
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Often leads to conflicting and inconsistent classifications and safety information:
• Chemicals are often classified differently (even in the same country).
• Labelling and SDS requirements vary from country to country.
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Some countries have little or no requirements in force.
• Often levels of literacy are low
• Desire to improved the safety outcomes in these countries?
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Why was the GHS developed?
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Hazard symbols / pictograms
What do all these symbols mean?
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WHMIS (Canada)
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European Union
ADG Code
The ADG Code has no symbol for chronic/severe health effects.
The GHS standardises these symbols on labels/SDS
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Why was the GHS developed?
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Labelling inconsistencies
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How was the GHS developed?
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The GHS is based on considered best practices of chemical hazard communication.
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USA and Canada for workplace, consumers and pesticides
EU directives for classification and labelling of substances and preparations
UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods
Because the basis already existed, countries’ systems would be maintained or
improved by adopting the GHS.
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In Australia
• ADG Code (based on UNRTDG)
• Approved criteria (based on EU directives)
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The GHS – Fundamental approach
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The GHS would be based on the classification of intrinsic properties of chemicals on a
hazard-based approach and would include:
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Physical hazards
Health hazards
Environmental hazards
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One chemical, one classification.
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If validated data exists for a chemical, then it should be useable for classification.
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The GHS needed to be comprehensible
• Need to make it easily understandable for everyone
• Minimal training required
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What are the potential benefits of the GHS?
The GHS provides many benefits to governments, industry and chemical users:
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Reduces need for duplicative testing and evaluation of chemicals.
• Principles of animal welfare
Single approach to labels and safety data sheets.
Classification criteria are updated and maintained at an international level.
Increased efficiencies and reduced costs of compliance.
Easier trade of chemicals; no need to reclassify in every jurisdiction.
An increased understanding among the wider community of chemical hazards.
Enhanced safety outcomes for protection of human health and environment through
harmonised chemical safety and health information.
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Implementation and Development of the GHS
Who is responsible for implementing and updating the GHS?
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The GHS is a non-mandatory, international legal instrument
• Countries adopt the GHS into their legal frameworks
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Overseeing national implementation is the responsibility of the “competent authority”
• For workplace health and safety - Safe Work Australia
• Can be implemented by many sectors in each country
• E.g. Consumer, Agrochemical, Transport, Environment and others
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The GHS is maintained internationally by a UN Sub-committee of Experts.
• More than 30 countries are on this committee
• Australia is represented by Safe Work Australia
• Observer countries and other stakeholders also participate
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Who has implemented the GHS?
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New Zealand was the first country to implement the GHS as part of HSNO.
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Australia implementing 3rd Revision of the GHS as part of WHS Harmonisation
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Other jurisdictions Include:
• Japan, China, Singapore, S. Korea (and other ASEAN)
• EU adopted as part of REACH (finalised by 2015)
• USA adopted in 2012 (finalised at same time as EU)
• Canada, Brazil and many others currently preparing.
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The GHS is updated and revised every two years:
• Future versions of the GHS will be taken up during reviews
of the WHS legislation
• Available free from UN’s website
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The GHS and the WHS Regulations
Scope and Application
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The GHS now in jurisdictions who have implemented the WHS Regulations.
• Transition period applies - 31 December 2016
• By then, all workplace hazardous chemicals must be classified and labelled
according to the GHS.
• Until that time, classification can be done according to the older framework.
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All hazardous chemicals in the workplace are covered:
• Substances, products, mixtures, preparations, formulations, etc.
• GHS hazard classes and categories closely reflect existing coverage in
Australia.
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The GHS does not replace the ADG Code.
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The GHS and the WHS Regulations
Scope and Application
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Hazardous chemicals must be correctly classified by the manufacturer / importer.
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Hazardous chemical is a “new” term introduced by the WHS legislation.
• Previously, classification existed under two systems, both with environmental
criteria.
• These definitions have been “merged” under the term “hazardous chemicals”.
Hazardous chemicals
Hazardous substances
Dangerous Goods
Physical / Health
Physical
/ Health
Env.
Approved Criteria
WHS Regulations
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Physical / Health
Env./Bio./Radio.
Env. Bio./Radio.
ADG Code
Environmental hazards are not mandated for classification.
• Best practice is to include environment hazards where known.
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The GHS – Scope and Application
How does it work?
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A chemical is classified against the criteria of each hazard class and category under:
• Physical hazards
• Health hazards
• Environmental hazards (not mandatory)
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If it meets the criteria of the GHS in one or more class, it is a hazardous chemical.
• Some hazard classes are excluded by the WHS Regulations.
• Hazardous chemicals include a single substance, mixture or article.
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Each hazard class is split into:
• Divisions (explosives only)
• Categories
• Types (applies to organic peroxides and self-reacting substances).
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The GHS – Scope and Application
How does it work?
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Hazards information is prescribed to end users:
• Symbols (pictograms)
• Signal words
• Hazard statements, and
• Precautionary statements.
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These elements are then put onto:
• Labels
• Safety data sheets
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The GHS – Hazard Classes and Categories
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The GHS – Hazard Classes and Categories
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The GHS – Hazard Classes and Categories
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Not compulsory under WHS Regulations.
Environmental classification may still be required for transportation.
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Non-GHS Hazard Statements
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The are several additional classifications which are not in the GHS.
Mandated through Codes of Practice.
AUH001 – Explosive when dry
AUH006 – Explosive with or without contact with air
AUH014 – Reacts violently with water
AUH018 – In use may form flammable/explosive vapour/air mixture
AUH029 – Contact with water liberates toxic gas
AUH031 – Contact with acid liberates toxic gas
AUH032 – Contact with acid liberates very toxic gas
AUH044 – Risk of explosion if heated under confinement
AUH066 – Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness and cracking
AUH070 – Toxic by eye contact
AUH071 – Corrosive to the respiratory tract
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Hazard communication – Labels
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A label is the written, printed, or graphical information that is affixed to, printed on or
attached to the container of a hazardous chemical.
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Harmonised elements under the GHS
• Signal words
Indicate the relative severity of the intrinsic hazards
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Pictograms
Symbols signifying hazards of chemical, e.g.
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Hazard statements
Phrase describing the nature of the hazards a chemical possesses
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Precautionary statements
A phrase describing measures to be taken to minimise adverse effects of
exposure to, or improper handling of, a hazardous chemical (Prevention,
Response, Storage, Disposal).
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The GHS – Signal words
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Signal words are prominently displayed words on labelling to:
• Alert the label reader to a potential hazard, and
• Indicate the relative severity of the hazard
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There are two signal words used on label in the GHS. These are:
• DANGER
• WARNING
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DANGER indicates a higher severity of hazard compared to WARNING
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Under the previous systems, signal words included:
• Danger, Warning, Hazardous, Poison, Dangerous Poison
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The GHS – Pictograms
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The GHS prescribes 9 pictograms to convey the hazards of chemicals
Exploding bomb
Explosives
Flame
Flammables
Flame over circle
Oxidisers
Gas cylinder
Gases under
pressure
Corrosion
Corrosives
Skull and
crossbones
Acute toxicity
Environment
Environmental
hazard
Exclamation mark
Harmful/irritant
Harmful to
ozone layer
Health hazard
Severe health
hazards
Two new symbols are introduced
All relevant pictograms will appear on label (according to the prioritisation rules).
• In practice more than 4 pictograms is very rare
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The GHS – Pictograms
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The GHS also allows dangerous goods class labels to be displayed on labelling and
safety data sheets.
There are no equivalents to the “exclamation mark” and “health hazard” pictograms.
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Dangerous Goods Class
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Possible issue with flammable chemicals?
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Did anyone spot a possible issue with flammable symbols?
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6 different “flammable” symbols become one – intrinsic hazard not always obvious
at a glance.
• Read label e.g. In contact with water releases flammable gas
• NO CHANGE TO PLACARDS - DG symbol still required
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Placarding
FLAMMAZENE
UN No.
9999
HAZCHEM
4YE
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The GHS – Hazard statements
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Describe the nature of the hazards covered by the GHS and the degree of severity.
• Examples include:
• Extremely flammable liquid and vapour (Cat. 1)
• Highly flammable liquid and vapour (Cat. 2)
• Flammable liquid and vapour (Cat. 3)
• Combustible liquid (Cat. 4)
• May cause cancer (Cat. 1)
• Suspected of causing cancer (Cat. 2)
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Hazard statements are equivalent to Risk Phrases under the Approved Criteria.
• Extremely flammable (R12)
• Highly flammable (R11)
• Flammable (R10)
• May cause cancer (R45)
• Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect (R40)
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The GHS – Precautionary statements
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Describe measures recommended to prevent or minimise:
• The adverse effects of exposure to a hazardous chemical, or
• Improper handling of a hazardous chemical.
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Each hazard class / category has several associated precautionary phrases.
• Prevention, Response, Storage, Disposal.
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For example, for a flammable liquid, the following statements may apply:
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Keep away from sparks and open flames. No smoking. (Prevention)
In case of fire: Use powder for extinction (Response)
Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool. (Storage)
Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. (Disposal)
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The GHS – Other information on labels
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Product identifier (and ingredient proportions)
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Supplier / manufacturer details
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Supplementary information , where applicable, such as:
• hazard classes and hazard statements not specifically covered by the GHS
• expiry or retest date.
• UN number
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Examples of GHS labels
Product identifier
Ingredient proportions
Signal word
Hazard pictograms
Hazard statements
Precautionary statements
Supplier information
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Examples of GHS labels
Label suitable for transport
DG Class Labels
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Examples of GHS labels
Label for small container
Refer to SDS
• When the label does not have enough space, some label elements can be omitted.
• The Safety Data Sheet contains more detailed information
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The GHS – Safety Data Sheets
The GHS also provides a minimum standard for the formatting and content for
communicating a chemical’s hazard through Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
A Safety Data Sheet is a document that provides detailed information about a hazardous
chemical, including:
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Its identity and its ingredients
Its physical, health and environmental hazards
Workplace exposure standards
Safe handling and storage procedures
First aid procedures
Transport information
and other useful information.
• Sections of the SDS are aimed at a particular audience.
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The GHS – Safety Data Sheets
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There are very few changes to SDS by moving to the GHS.
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The majority of changes to Australian SDS will relate to sections where GHS
information is required.
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For example:
• Section 2 contains classification information
• Including pictograms, hazard statements, etc.
• Section 3 contains information on ingredients in mixtures.
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Most other sections and information contained in the SDS remain unchanged.
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The GHS – Safety Data Sheets
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The information in an SDS is provided in 16 sections.
These sections are the same as the current requirements and in the same order.
1.
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3.
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5.
6.
7.
8.
Identification
Hazard(s) identification
Composition and ingredient information
First aid measures
Fire-fighting measures
Accidental release measure
Handling and storage
Exposure controls and PPE
9.
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11.
12.
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14.
15.
16.
Physical and chemical properties
Stability and reactivity
Toxicological information
Ecological information
Disposal considerations
Transport information
Regulatory information
Any other relevant information
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The GHS – Safety Data Sheets
SECTION 2: HAZARD(S) IDENTIFICATION
Classification of the substance or mixture
Flammable liquids (Category 2); Acute toxicity – Oral (Category 3)
Skin irritation (Category 2); Carcinogenicity (Category 1A)
Aspiration toxicity (Category 1)
Label elements
Pictograms:
Flame
Skull and
crossbones
Health
hazard
Signal word: DANGER
Hazard statement(s):
H225 Highly flammable liquid and vapour
H301 Toxic if swallowed
H315 Causes skin irritation
H350 May cause cancer
H304 May be fatal if swallowed and enter airways
Precautionary statements:
P210 Keep away from sparks and open flames. No smoking
P233 Keep container tightly closed
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Further reading on GHS under WHS Regulations
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Codes of practice
• Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals
• Preparation of Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Chemicals
• Managing the Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
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Guidance material
• Classification of Hazardous Chemicals under the WHS Regulations
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Fact sheets
• Classifications and Labelling for Workplace Hazardous Chemicals (poster)
• Understanding Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Chemicals
• Understanding Hazardous Chemical Labels
See:
www.swa.gov.au for these publications and more
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Thank you for your attention
Any questions?
Web:
www.swa.gov.au
Email:
info@swa.gov.au
Phone:
1300 551 832
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